The Future of iChat AV? [Archive]

MacRumors

Oct 30, 2003, 11:59 PM

Some unreliable rumors of future iChat AV functionality have recently emerged, raising some interesting questions about the direction of iChat AV.

According to an unconfirmed Page 2 rumor (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/10/20031026155056.shtml), there are some claims that iChat AV will make its way to Windows, following in iTunes' footsteps. Apple has been open about the fact that iTunes promotes iPod sales and ultimately Mac sales. Whether or not iChat AV would offer the same incentives to PC users is up for debate. According to the uncertain rumor, iChat AV would be a for-pay option as it is for current Jaguar users.

sethypoo

Oct 31, 2003, 12:02 AM

That will be cool, so long as most pc users have Firewire ports for the iSight!

:) :rolleyes: :D

macnews

Oct 31, 2003, 12:04 AM

I think this would be a good idea. Showing off the good ideas and ease of use that Apple comes up with can only help Mac sales. Now, the issue of reliability is key here.

I also have to wonder how it would be done if a pay service? Maybe use it to promote iSight but I can't see anyone really paying for it.

arn

Oct 31, 2003, 12:06 AM

I know these are unreliable reports... but I think it raises some interesting points of discussion for iChat AV and Apple.

arn

sososowhat

Oct 31, 2003, 12:07 AM

conference video chats would be oh so cool. But even more, I'd like to video with my PC owning friends. Yahoo IM video sucks!

If iChat can bring the same amazing performance to the PC that'd be great, but if not, then I'd be fine with using iChat to do video with MSN or Yahoo users.

crees!

Oct 31, 2003, 12:09 AM

Originally posted by sethypoo
That will be cool, so long as most pc users have Firewire ports for the iSight!

:) :rolleyes: :D

I'm sure Apple would included a USB 2.0 adapter as they did for the iPod if iChatAV goes to Windows.

sethypoo

Oct 31, 2003, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by crees!
I'm sure Apple would included a USB 2.0 adapter as they did for the iPod if iChatAV goes to Windows.

Darn, didn't think of that, thanks!

Bunzi2k4

Oct 31, 2003, 12:13 AM

hmm... this sounds kind of wierd, witht the pay service... is that like... monthly service? if that ever happens i'm going back to normal aim. but that would be tight to talk to my pc (always potential switchers) buds.

idkew

Oct 31, 2003, 12:21 AM

Originally posted by Bunzi2k4
hmm... this sounds kind of wierd, witht the pay service... is that like... monthly service? if that ever happens i'm going back to normal aim. but that would be tight to talk to my pc (always potential switchers) buds.

no- it is a program you purchse. no monthly fee.

most video confrencing apps are pay only, and they are very complicated. iChat AV makes things much easier for most users.

rikers_mailbox

Oct 31, 2003, 12:26 AM

Any exposure of Apple products to the PC market is good exposure. I'm sure iChat A/V for Windows will wow the Windozers. Maybe convert a couple more % points of the market to Apple. I could see this potentially being big in the corporate/business scene. If they fill enough niches, Apple itself will become too big to be called a 'niche' computer market.

Apple programmers must be real happy with Steve . . . you know, making them get all this windows stuff working up to Apple standards and all. :D

Dahl

Oct 31, 2003, 12:31 AM

Sounds like a good idea to me.
A few great programs might make some Windows users wonder if they are on the right platform.

orb

Oct 31, 2003, 12:36 AM

$30 for iChat A/V is way too high. The software would be a total flop on the PC. It would be a total flop on the Mac too, if it weren't given away for free with panther. (on the other hand, I have some PC friends that I would gladly spend $30 on to give them the ability to do video chat with, so maybe I'm being too harsh)

$30 for a group A/V chat would be very much worth the price. I'm not sure this would appeal to home users as much as to business users.

Sabenth

Oct 31, 2003, 12:37 AM

3 things great little rumor and if its true great

1st thing is iSight going to be used for this i take it as a yes but got to ask

2nd charge for what you can get free with aol yahoo msn etc etc the list is long

3 is it me or is Apple either trying to drum up more bizz or are they trying to make a leap at joining M/S

dont have a go at me it seems really weird to me all this talk of windows jumping hell freezing over stuff and ive only been a switcher for 4 months

i thought i was suppose to be droping windows lol

alset

Oct 31, 2003, 12:46 AM

Good luck selling it on Windows. Ha, what a joke. I doubt it would catch on unless it was free. It certainly would have hurt iChat AV if Apple hadn't offered a free beta to get us snagged.

Dan

ITR 81

Oct 31, 2003, 01:11 AM

I know about 5 PC users that want the iSight but they can't use it. To me this sounds like Apple will probably start bundling iChat A/V with iSight if they release a PC version. Because this what most cams do in the PC market. Which could mean the same for Mac users as well.

I think the more programs and hardware PC users use will eventually lead to more sales of Macs and I believe thats what Job's is betting on.

I know alot folks that are PC users and you only have to say Mac or Apple around them to get them started in on you. I'll find it funny if Apples market share starts to grow and MS market share starts to shrink. More and more countries are going to Open Source OS's only. Vietnam just did this recently making all MS OS illegal to own or use. Slowly MS is losing market share around the world and it will keep on happening until MS opens up it's code.

dongmin

Oct 31, 2003, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by alset
Good luck selling it on Windows. Ha, what a joke. I doubt it would catch on unless it was free. It certainly would have hurt iChat AV if Apple hadn't offered a free beta to get us snagged.

Dan instead of giving away for free, Apple can bundle iChat AV with the iSight. Make it a package for $129 or just the iChat AV for $29--I'm sure most users would go for the bundle. Apple's all about integration, so porting iChat AV to windows wouldn't be so bad if it was tied to selling more iSights.

Also, we really don't know what Apple has in store for us. Maybe Apple is working on some sort of portable video communicator device that's integrated with iChat AV. Sort of an iPod with a video camera and larger screen that you can take anywhere and communicate (wirelessly?) by video.

Phil Of Mac

Oct 31, 2003, 01:48 AM

iChat AV. Send it to Windows, bundle it with iSight, and conquer the universe. iSight is gonna be the next iPod this way :)

dracoleb

Oct 31, 2003, 01:54 AM

Apple really needs to bundle iChat AV with the iSight. I mean they were announced together as the perfect combonation, even asking why would you use the iBot if you can use iSight on iChat AV. I mean it's not like they sell the iPod without iTunes.

uiop

Oct 31, 2003, 02:02 AM

I think people are missing the bigger picture. I don't think apple will make ichat for windows.

Now with AOL's partnership with Apple, I have a feeling that AIM and AOL will have a compatibility with iSight and iChat. Meaning, us with macs will be able to video chat with our PC companions

dracoleb

Oct 31, 2003, 02:05 AM

Then the iSight can come bundled with the iChat AV friendly AIM, just like the iPod came with MusicMatch before wiTunes

daddy-mojo

Oct 31, 2003, 02:09 AM

its going to have to be repackaged, one for mac one for pc. currently ships with the hardware to attach it to modern macs. maybe they'll offer isight w/tripod and ichatav bundle.:rolleyes:

JediL

Oct 31, 2003, 02:11 AM

I don't think Apple would want to jeopardize a relationship with AOL by releasing a competing IM program that essentially talks to the same people AIM talks to.

If I remember correctly, one of the stipulations of the AOL-Time Warner merger was that AOL could not develop video-conferencing technology unless it opened its chat network to others.

I'm not sure if compatability with iChat qualifies as enough "opening up" but who knows. With the AOL signing a long-term music alliance w/ Apple and the CEO speak personally at the Stevenote it seems as if AOL and Apple are becoming pretty good chums.

What I think will happen is AOL introduces a new version of AIM with video conferencing and iSight will be available to windows w/ firewire and USB 2.0 connections.

As for compatability with other chat clients, I believe yahoo is charging for that as a "premium" service. Not sure if MSN will open up its networks.

Phil Of Mac

Oct 31, 2003, 02:13 AM

Originally posted by daddy-mojo
its going to have to be repackaged, one for mac one for pc. currently ships with the hardware to attach it to modern macs. maybe they'll offer isight w/tripod and ichatav bundle.:rolleyes:

No tripods. As the Steve explained, tripods give you a bad angle, because you set it on your desk and you get a good shot of the cheek and chin, but not a head-on shot. No, the monitor mounting clip is the way to go.

dracoleb

Oct 31, 2003, 02:15 AM

Why have a tripod if it is designed to be on top of a monitor. The eMac attatchmet should be sufficient for CRT's and the LCD attatchment good for LCD's. I don't think Apple will bundle the USB 2.0 cable either. They don't with the iPod to keep costs down and have only one version, much more cost efficent, though the iSight would need a diffrent connector. If i'm not mistaken the iSight has a standard firewire port.

vitaboy

Oct 31, 2003, 02:31 AM

The reason why Apple doesn't bundle iChat AV with the iSight is that iChat AV works with any FireWire camera. You can plug in your Sony Handycam and it will work with iSight. Some people may not need or want iSight as a result.

However, I do think that should Apple relase iChat AV for Windows, they should bundle the program with iSight and sell millions of them. With more Apple software/hardware that a Window user owns, the less burdensome it will be for them to switch to a Mac. I mean, if a Windows user already has iSight, iTMS music, and an iPod, a great deal less of their investment goes to waste by making the switch.

AhmedFaisal

Oct 31, 2003, 03:42 AM

I finally wanna get rid of that spyware/adware laden piece of **** AIM on my g/f computer. I would happily pay for iChat AV on Windows as long as it comes with iSight compatibility. And MSN, no way buddy, it is a pain as it is to get rid of that ****ty software on WinXP. No way I am going to reinstall it!!

Ahmed

dstorey

Oct 31, 2003, 03:56 AM

I would have thought that the most logical thing to do, post iTunes announcment, would be to allow Apple AV compatibility to AIM for windows. Then sell/advertise iSight for AIM pc users...probably with a way to convert to usb2. But then just think...PC users get apple software for free throuh AOL, Apple users have to pay £30 or upgrade the OS. Don't think many people would be very happy with that. Even if free with the iSight, it still would mean Jag users who want to use their curent firwire camcorder or whatever would have to pay. I dont think charging AIM users to upgrade would work so well either as they could just switch to Y! or MSN for free. At least its an option now though as the AIM video/audio restriction has been lifted.

I suppose like everythnig else, it depends on how its marketed. If as just adio and video in IM's then it will not do so well, free options exist with other big players and allow up to 50 connections, not just 1. If marketed more as a high end video conf software, which always costs, then ,aybe its possible. If it acted more like a phone then it really would be killer. Leave your computer on sleep, and it auto wakes up and rings to tell you someones video/phoning you anyone? Even possibly a way where it starts up ichat if someone wants to contact u and its not running, giving you the option to open the connection or send to you text/voice/video answerphone. Yahoo's offline messages are very useful, but could be so much better if some one like apple took them on. Idealy, but most unlikely with the aol partnership, is for multi client compatibility, jabba at least...its free and apple can host its own server. It would be nice to be able to chat to peole on every network, jut like I can phone BT customers even though I'm on cable phone. The thing there as well is no one knows unless you tell them, who your phone provider is, except maybe by the phone number. Why don't they make it so that you just add a contact (either to you list or pref to your address book) and it just shows when they come on line, no matter which IM service they use. If they use more than one network then just group them so that you only see their name once and let you and/or them set which is the preferenced client to use when you send them a message. If you want to use one other than the default then click on their name and get a drop down box of which screen names are online. Of course if only one is onlie then it defaults to that one, and if you want to use something not supported (say video) then it uses the client that supports it. That way you dont have to care which network your friends are on, or even which name your using, unless you want to...being more contact centric than network centric would be much easier to use in my opiniom

GregA

Oct 31, 2003, 04:38 AM

Originally posted by Bunzi2k4
hmm... this sounds kind of wierd, witht the pay service... is that like... monthly service? if that ever happens i'm going back to normal aim. but that would be tight to talk to my pc (always potential switchers) buds. Charging $30 for iChat is unlikely to win many people over - so I'd guess they have another strategy.

Someone suggested bundling - that sounds reasonable. With iSight seems obvious, but maybe also Quicktime Pro, or iOffice (if the rumours turn out to be true). Also, it could be more about corporate video conferencing, which would change the rules for charging.

As far as AIM video compatibility goes - I agree it would be great - but video requires compatible codecs etc right? (which is more difficult than text!) Does anyone know if they use similar technologies?

(Personally I simply want ICQ text compatibility! It is NOT compatible now, however new ICQ clients can log onto AIM, so it kind of works).

Superdrive

Oct 31, 2003, 05:52 AM

Why not put an ad in AIM that says "BUY A MAC if you dont like spyware, popups, security flaws, poorly written software, etc"?

I do not foresee iChat AV going to windows. iSight maybe. But only when AIM can see iChat and they play nice. Personally I think the rumor sites are making new rumors cause they have nothing and were caught off guard with new iBooks. They have no idea what is coming next. We are going to be surprised.

aswitcher

Oct 31, 2003, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by Macrumors
Some unreliable rumors of future iChat AV functionality have recently emerged, raising some interesting questions about the direction of iChat AV.

SNIP

Additionally, a MacOSRumors (http://www.macosrumors.com/) report of questionable reliability claims that the next major release of iChat AV will bring conferencing Audio/Video capabilities... allowing simultaneous A/V communications across multiple parties.

Well multiparties would be excellent. I can see business really taking that up as a cheap and easy to use alternative to vid con rooms.

If the tech takes a leaf out of the real video conference systems I would expect to see sound sensitive or key press control so the speaker appears larger or as the only image where bandwidth is an issue. Different sizes of "cubes" for other participants would be great. A "wishing to speak" button/indicator would work well given my experience with vidcons.

I also hope to see an option to capture one or both sides of a conversation (maybe with a little record light flashing red) so it can be used for recording meetings/decisions and for the many personal uses it can have. Meta data with date/time/timezone/ip/computer names etc would be good.

Jason

PS: Does anyone know if iSight/AV Chat works seemlessly via powerbooks with WiFi? I assume it does.

BlueDjinn

Oct 31, 2003, 06:59 AM

I think a Windows version of iChat AV, *bundled with the iSight*, would be a brilliant and necessary move.

For the iPod, it was nice--but not necessary--to come out with a Windows version; remember, an iPod is, at it's heart, a *personal* device--you don't need anyone else to own one to use it.

Video chatting, on the other hand, by definition requires a second person--and unless that second person happens to own a Mac, you're stuck with a useless device (yeah, people have come up with other uses for the iSight, but let's face it, 90% of it's usefulness is destroyed if no one else can see you!)

If they follow the same strategy with the iSight/iChat that they did with the iPod/iTunes, they should start selling a *****load more iSights, once again getting people who would otherwise never give a cent to Apple for anything to purchase an Apple product, increasing mindshare while also adding some badly-needed peripheral revenue to Apple's bottom line (anyone know what the profit margin is on the iSight anyway?)

Theoretically, a move like this could blow NetMeeting out of the water just like iTunes has done (is doing?) to WMP.

Stella

Oct 31, 2003, 07:04 AM

It will never work.

People will never pay for a messenger application. Windows users have MSN which can do video, so why on earth would they want to pay for iChat.

Additionally, why would they use iChat if it can only support AOL and not MSN.

Its gonna flop.

Don't do it Apple.

FightTheFuture

Oct 31, 2003, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by ITR 81
I know about 5 PC users that want the iSight but they can't use it.

lets not forget that you can use a firewire camcorder on ichat. although it wouldn't help apple generate any money, at least many people would use it. apple should use that as ammunition, that you can use your minidv cam for something other then pumpkin carving. and with that, more people would be using it, prompting more people to buy an isight so they won't have to worry about breaking it down, and setting up their camera to tape their daughters graduation ceremony.

all in all, apple has done this well and right. i cannot stand the yahoo messenger a/v and i haven't even tried to mess with msns. although it has been established desktop technology for years, apple made it easier and more inviting.

of course, as stella mentioned - since you have to purchase it if your running jag - i don't see apple giving away free downloads to pc users. so the whole firewire camcorder thing may become a moot point.

GregA

Oct 31, 2003, 07:46 AM

What if iChat isn't really about chatting (for Apple anyway). Maybe the technology has other uses?

For example, say when you leave home, instead of putting iChat in "offline" you could put it in "remote". When you get to work, you log into iChat - and there is an extra function now to access your "remote". File sharing, iTunes streaming, Remote desktop... (.Mac would still be great for limited functionality when your remote(s?) is not available.)

This would be equally interesting for Windows or Macs. Security would be a bitch. Can someone tell me - when iTunes streamed over the net, how did your work box find your home box?

This is PURE speculation...! But why do authentication for iChat themselves unless they have some value added -couldn't they have made iChat AV to use AIM servers (or someone else?)

SiliconAddict

Oct 31, 2003, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by sethypoo
That will be cool, so long as most pc users have Firewire ports for the iSight!

:) :rolleyes: :D

Most modern audio cards come with firewire. So, as example, 2 of the 4 systems in the house have FW400 in them.

Le Big Mac

Oct 31, 2003, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by dongmin
instead of giving away for free, Apple can bundle iChat AV with the iSight. Make it a package for $129 or just the iChat AV for $29--I'm sure most users would go for the bundle. Apple's all about integration, so porting iChat AV to windows wouldn't be so bad if it was tied to selling more iSights.

Makes sense to me. It seems a bit odd you have to buy the hardware *and* the software, given the software's only purpose is to work with iSight. Of course, if they bundled them, the price would be $149.

crawdad62

Oct 31, 2003, 08:03 AM

If Apple keeps offering its cool software to Windows then I'm sure there will be switchers.......switching to Windows. If you can get nicely thought out, innovating, integrated applications on a cheap Windows box then why would you switch to Macs?

Le Big Mac

Oct 31, 2003, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by BlueDjinn
I

Video chatting, on the other hand, by definition requires a second person--and unless that second person happens to own a Mac, you're stuck with a useless device (yeah, people have come up with other uses for the iSight, but let's face it, 90% of it's usefulness is destroyed if no one else can see you!)

This is a critical point. You need widespread adoption to get widespread adoption. It's like a telephone. It doesn't do much good if you have the only telephone in the world.

Like it or not, there's a huge installed base of PCs, and people aren't going to buy macs *just* for iChat. By making it windows-compatible, it benefits Mac users as well, because the number of people they can iChat with is now 20-30x greater.

the_mole1314

Oct 31, 2003, 08:07 AM

iTunes for Windows came AFTER the iPod for Windows and the sucess of the iTMS. iChat AV dosn't sell anything, not even iSights.

MacRAND

Oct 31, 2003, 08:26 AM

instead of giving away for free, Apple can bundle iChat AV with the iSight.

...I do think that should Apple relase iChat AV for Windows, they should bundle the program with iSight and sell millions of them.

Yes, Apple will port iChat AV to Windows. The Bundle idea with iSight is genius.

Reason: For more than a year, Steve Jobs has been under pressure from the Apple Board to port more Mac wares (soft & hard) to the Windows platform, including the sacred cow herself - OS X.

Example: iTunes software has gone Windows with great results in Music and iPod sales.

Future: With this success, Jobs is going to be on increasing pressure to open Mac products to the Windows world, and the iChat AV with iSight Bundle is the next obvious step.

Initially, iSight will continue to be FireWire only (buy a FireWire PCI board for PC), with the possibility of development and sale of a USB 2.0 / FW combination sold separately for Windows, just like the iPod for Windows [but, which would be cheaper and more practical: the PCI board that can be used for other stuff, or the cable which cannot?].

A tripod may not come out of Apple, but I would certainly expect Belkin or one of the other Apple Partners to come up with something of the sort, especially when iSight is opened to the Windows world and sales increase in multiples of Mac World sales.

We can all expect MultiCam Conferencing, hopefully through iChat AV+, to become a reality even at a premium charge because of Apple's desire to promote corporate sales of Apple products within what realistically is a Windows World, and this would be a natural entré and would be a real coup for Jobs.

Just as American Commerce & Industry salivate over the opening up of markets among Billions of Chinese (China Watchers) customers, so Jobs and the Apple Board have become Windows Watchers, and are being drawn into farming the 95% market share with the same force that hurls bits of galactic matter and light inescapably towards a Black Hole. With the Windowizing of iTunes and iPod, all things Apple will eventually become multi-platform. Not that Jobs and some member of his board won't do a lot of kicking and screaming in the process.

So, how long before OS X runs on an Intel chip? What they gonna call it?
Mac OS X PC :(

The twist is once Windows users try out MacOS X PC on their Dell, Gateway or eMachine, they will have to build their Wintel machine up to Apple standards, then they will begin to realize what a super value Mac Machines really are right out of the box - then among higher end users (not kids who just play games, or little old ladies from Sun City who want to eMail and browse eBay) there will be a lot of switching to Apple hardware.

Ok, but not before I get my G6 quad 9GHz miniSuperComputer. :cool:

snahabed

Oct 31, 2003, 08:51 AM

I brought this up before, but it seems like a valid idea to port iChat in order to sell iSights, the same way they ported iTunes to sell iPods.

If Apple made an iSight with USB 2, I think they'd be all set.

However, would iChat really be great for Windows users? I think some of the best parts of IChat have to do with the integration with the rest of the OS. Like names from my address book showing up in the buddy list. Perhaps they could integrate with Outlook or whatever other POS program Windows users use? :)

But yeah, it amazes me that my friends are satisfied with the AMAZINGLY bad Yahoo. When I show them iChat, they are dumbfounded.

Oh, before they port, it might be nice to have tabbed IM windows as an option. Just something to set the program apart more. And if they COULD get Yahoo and MSN plugins, that'd be great too, though that's probably not going to happen.

ryan

Oct 31, 2003, 09:35 AM

Why should a Windows user switch to a Mac if Apple keeps releasing "cool" software for their current platform? Sure you could say something like, "Well, it works ever better on a Mac!" but Windows users are use to software that works, not software that is elegant and easy to use, so the benefits of the using the same software on a Mac is lost on them.

cryptochrome

Oct 31, 2003, 11:58 AM

I'd settle for USB webcam support in iChatAV. I mean really, it's incredibly obvious. There's even an open source project that produces software that handles virtually all of them (macam). Why should this require an application enhancer is beyond me.

orb

Oct 31, 2003, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by ryan
Why should a Windows user switch to a Mac if Apple keeps releasing "cool" software for their current platform?

What good is a chat program if you can only chat with people on the same platform? Nobody would use iChat if it only worked with other mac people. A/V is great, but it is inherently limited if it can only work with other macs. It's not a question of giving "them" "our" technology, it is a question of providing maximal value for "our" technology.

I'd say the iChat integration is a key "upgrade" in moving to mac. Ok, you can chat on both platforms, but if you want the nice integration (mail, addressbook, etc...) you have to move to OS X.

VicMacs

Oct 31, 2003, 12:41 PM

if we give all these great apps to windozers... doesnt that take the essence of having the best? i dont mean to be greedy but if we want them to switch for the better ... nah... globalize chatrooms... go apple!:D

Dr Data

Oct 31, 2003, 12:57 PM

One idea I think would be useful is to allow a window be the picture sent. This would be an easy way to do document sharing similar to say Webex or MeetingPlace (MS oned now). Webex on the Mac really sucks and it tries to do to much. MeetingPlace only allows Macs as the receiving end not originating one.

This would also be useful for remote training and support.

In principle all you need to do is copy the window buffer to the iChat AV input.

Heck I think it is a good idea.

ennerseed

Oct 31, 2003, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by cryptochrome
I'd settle for USB webcam support in iChatAV. I mean really, it's incredibly obvious. There's even an open source project that produces software that handles virtually all of them (macam). Why should this require an application enhancer is beyond me.

Apple is about quality, and USB 1.1 Web Cams do not have a good enough transfer speeds to have that quality.

ryaxnb

Oct 31, 2003, 01:07 PM

It costs like $25 or $30 to buy FireWire cards anyway.

MacRAND

Oct 31, 2003, 02:28 PM

PC machines have been using USB 2.0 for years and it has enough bandwith, it's embarrassing that Apple finally has waited so long to finally put USB 2 in all its computers starting with G5.

With regards to FireWire, Apple and Sony pioneered it years ago, incorporating it into their products regularly with Dell, Gateway, and the rest selling cheaper boxes without it.

Therefore, iSight should remain FireWire and either let Wintels pay to add a FireWire card or pay for a conversion cable, that's the price of buying 2nd rate computer boxes and thinking they are getting a better deal - just cheaper because of what they lack. :p

Next time, buy Macintosh. :cool:

greenstork

Oct 31, 2003, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by GregAussie
What if iChat isn't really about chatting (for Apple anyway). Maybe the technology has other uses?

For example, say when you leave home, instead of putting iChat in "offline" you could put it in "remote". When you get to work, you log into iChat - and there is an extra function now to access your "remote". File sharing, iTunes streaming, Remote desktop... (.Mac would still be great for limited functionality when your remote(s?) is not available.)

This would be equally interesting for Windows or Macs. Security would be a bitch. Can someone tell me - when iTunes streamed over the net, how did your work box find your home box?

This is PURE speculation...! But why do authentication for iChat themselves unless they have some value added -couldn't they have made iChat AV to use AIM servers (or someone else?)

Might as well slap a Windows sticker on your Mac and start downloading security patches every other day. There's no way I'd want an instant messenger having remote desktop access, you're just asking for trouble.

greenstork

Oct 31, 2003, 03:38 PM

Seems like having a camera on my home computer would be doubleplus ungood.

Phil Of Mac

Nov 1, 2003, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by the_mole1314
iTunes for Windows came AFTER the iPod for Windows and the sucess of the iTMS. iChat AV dosn't sell anything, not even iSights.

No, I think it sells iSights. What's the point of an iSight without iChat AV?

Sabenth

Nov 1, 2003, 05:19 PM

if your goint to want to use a chat / video confrence program such as iChat you need a web cam having seen and used iSight recently i cant agree more iSight is perfect for all your chat talks this is going to save me a fortuine in phone calls to the UK alone...

revenuee

Nov 1, 2003, 07:01 PM

I love iChat AV

i only have one person who has the iSight and i use my mini DV ... but works great... no lag... very smooth... it would be cool if my PC friends with webcams could talk to me too

Genie

Nov 2, 2003, 01:07 AM

iChat still crashes on my G5 when I try to run it... any advice?

MacRAND

Nov 2, 2003, 03:01 AM

Hey, Genie

How's the G5? ;)

Have you installed PANTHER? Regardless of your date of purchase or delivery, call Apple and have them send you a FREE copy of PANTHER. Tell them you have several Million fans who enjoyed watching you unpack and setup your G5 in September - truly a First Look, that would be upset if Apple failed to take care of you. Your site has to be as popular to Mac users as the Virginia Tech G5 Supercomputer site.

1. Have you repaired Permissions with the Apple Disk Utility?
2. Have you re-installed iChatAV? (Do you have an iSight yet?)
3. Panther comes with the final version "1.0", previously in Jaguar it was Beta.

Have you seen the cool new T-Shirts with a downloaded picture of you?
"While wishing for a G5, I dream of Genie" :cool:
http://www.geniesongs.com/
p.s. Where do you and Troy call "heaven" :confused:

Phil Of Mac

Nov 2, 2003, 03:06 AM

Just a pedantic clarification...iChat AV in Panther is a final release, not a beta or an alpha. Generally, a project progresses from alpha to beta to final release.

Genie

Nov 2, 2003, 03:58 AM

Originally posted by MacRAND
Hey, Genie

How's the G5? ;)

The G5 is just fabulous!

Have you installed PANTHER? Regardless of your date of purchase or delivery, call Apple and have them send you a FREE copy of PANTHER. Tell them you have several Million fans who enjoyed watching you unpack and setup your G5 in September - truly a First Look, that would be upset if Apple failed to take care of you. Your site has to be as popular to Mac users as the Virginia Tech G5 Supercomputer site.

1. Have you repaired Permissions with the Apple Disk Utility?
2. Have you re-installed iChatAV? (Do you have an iSight yet?)
3. Panther comes with the final version "1.0", previously in Jaguar it was Beta.

Have you seen the cool new T-Shirts with a downloaded picture of you?
"While wishing for a G5, I dream of Genie" :cool:
http://www.geniesongs.com/

http://www.geniesongs.com/genie/endorsements/apple/Genie-G5Computer50pix.jpg (http://www.geniesongs.com/genie/endorsements/apple/g5opening/index.htm)
Wow- thanks for the wonderful note!
The traffic has been just unbelievable!

I emailed Steve Jobs but no reply yet... Do you have friends at Apple? :)

I would love to see the t-shirts....

You know- I'm embarassed now- I just installed Panther and haven't tried iChat since- maybe it'll work just fine...

Yes, Apple was nice enough to give me an iSight...

jydesign

Nov 2, 2003, 11:31 AM

I'm a freelancer. I think it would be great to open iSight up to Windows users - even for FREE. I don't have an iSight - and I probably won't buy one until I can chat with any of my clients (Windows users). I don't care what kind of camera they have, I would of course buy an iSight (not another mac cam). So, in my opinion, this COULD lead to sales of iSights - by Mac users who haven't bought one for lack of having any one to chat with.

regards
J.

Dahl

Nov 2, 2003, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by MacRAND
Tell them you have several Million fans who enjoyed watching you unpack and setup your G5 in September
Yeah...
Do you still have the box the G5 came in ? You could do a repeat show with your iSight. :D

Genie

Nov 2, 2003, 12:32 PM

Originally posted by Dahl
Yeah...
Do you still have the box the G5 came in ? You could do a repeat show with your iSight. :D

http://www.geniesongs.com/genie/endorsements/apple/Genie-G5Computer50pix.jpg (http://www.geniesongs.com/genie/endorsements/apple/g5opening/index.htm)
Hmm.... Wheels spinning...

Do ya think that'd have the same "wow" factor as the G5?:p

MacRAND

Nov 2, 2003, 01:07 PM

Genie,

Ms GENIE opening the cool iSight box may not have exactly the same WOW as the much anticipated reception of a totally new G5, but combine the novelty with your celebrity and it's a good show. Just because you started off with "who shot J.R. Ewing" ratings doesn't mean you should cancel "Dallas".

This time select the best digital photos to make a more focused and concise slike show. Draw up a "script list" after you run through opening and assembling, the start over and photograph. You might even try a short QuickTime movie downloaded to your website. Do you have a DV camcorder? Shucks, Apple might be hiring you to be its New Products demo girl. The new LCD monitors and iMac will be coming out soon.

You could do some patriotic photos with you wearing a camouflage t-shirt and hat (easily acquired at a military surplus store), themes like encouraging people to email or iChat AV American servicemen overseas (Iraq, UK, Spain, etc.) using an iSight and other Apple technology. Genie, did you get a set of Panther DOG TAGS? the tags would go well with your "service" outfit. This fits your helping other theme. :p

I finally broke down and bought an iSight (instead of using my Canon ZR70mc via FireWire all the time) because it's:
1. so cool looking and compact :cool:
2. a Mac product
3. I like iChatAV and am hoping for creater adoption and use by my friends (can't encourage others to use iChat AV and an iSight unless I'm a memeber of the club) ;)

rjwill246

Nov 2, 2003, 03:14 PM

My son in Brisbane and I in the US got on the phone the other night, having physically installed the iSights, we then set up iChat AV and within 3 minutes of all this activity were on line, hung up the phones and had over an hour on line with clear pictures and generally good sound.
Each using G5s 1.8 and Panther. Apple must get this product out for Windows. The more time Wintel users get to see Apple in action, the more likely a switch will happen. Exposure is key to sales.

Genie

Nov 2, 2003, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by rjwill246
My son in Brisbane and I in the US got on the phone the other night, having physically installed the iSights, we then set up iChat AV and within 3 minutes of all this activity were on line, hung up the phones and had over an hour on line with clear pictures and generally good sound.

How much lag did you have in the transmission? Was it just like talking on a good telephone connection, or was there an annoying delay?

zamyatin

Nov 2, 2003, 03:37 PM

I think that supporting Jabber with iChat would fit in very well with Apple's "Open Source Inside" strategic direction of the past few years. Using AIM is good and should be continued, but in the long run Jabber is probably the best IM system from a technical standpoint. Apple's weight on its side might hasten marketplace adoption.

Macco

Nov 2, 2003, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
No, I think it sells iSights. What's the point of an iSight without iChat AV?

An iSight is useless without iChat AV. But iChat AV is not useless without an iSight. You can use any video camera with iChat, so releasing iChat to Windows would not necessarily result in more iSight sales. It's true that the iSight is better suited to video chat than Firewire camcorders, but most Windows users don't understand the concept of paying more for a better product.

Dahl

Nov 2, 2003, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by rjwill246
My son in Brisbane and I in the US got on the phone the other night, having physically installed the iSights, we then set up iChat AV and within 3 minutes of all this activity were on line, hung up the phones and had over an hour on line with clear pictures and generally good sound.

I'll be using iChat AV with my brother in Denmark very soon and I can't wait.
It's going to change many people's lives.

Phil Of Mac

Nov 2, 2003, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by Macco
It's true that the iSight is better suited to video chat than Firewire camcorders, but most Windows users don't understand the concept of paying more for a better product.

iSight: $150
FireWire Camcorder: $360

You do the math.

revenuee

Nov 2, 2003, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
iSight: $150
FireWire Camcorder: $360

You do the math.

where do you buy your DV camcorders?

sure you can find one, but of what quality?

comparing the price the price of a DV camcorder to the price of a webcam is like comparing the price of a car to the price of a motorcycle

150$ is a lot to pay for a webcam - iSight is beautiful, and high quality - like a BMW motorcylces

360$ for a DV camcorder is like buying a Hundia Accent ... sure it will get the job done, but you may not be all that satisfied with it

Phil Of Mac

Nov 2, 2003, 05:39 PM

That's my point exactly: the cheapest DV camcorder is more expensive than the iSight, therefore price-conscious (PC) buyers will buy the iSight.

revenuee

Nov 2, 2003, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
That's my point exactly: the cheapest DV camcorder is more expensive than the iSight, therefore price-conscious (PC) buyers will buy the iSight.

my bad... i've been stuck writing an this damn art history essay all day.. i'm having trouble making sense of simple things

sorry dude

Phil Of Mac

Nov 2, 2003, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by revenuee
my bad... i've been stuck writing an this damn art history essay all day.. i'm having trouble making sense of simple things

sorry dude

No, you did a good job of backing up my point. Thank you.

revenuee

Nov 2, 2003, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
No, you did a good job of backing up my point. Thank you.

to bad my essay isn't about the economics of purchasing cameras.... LOL

prutz11

Nov 2, 2003, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by uiop
I think people are missing the bigger picture. I don't think apple will make ichat for windows.

Now with AOL's partnership with Apple, I have a feeling that AIM and AOL will have a compatibility with iSight and iChat. Meaning, us with macs will be able to video chat with our PC companions

BOOOM... I think that is exactly what's going to happen.

darndog

Nov 3, 2003, 08:34 AM

The iSight seems to me to be a transitional product, there is no future in 'bolt on' camera's, pretty soon laptops and displays will have camera's built into them the same way mobile phones do now.
For now the iSight offers better quality and its movable, but an integrated screen camera and wireless mobile phone camera would be a better solution.

So, I'm expecting this (iChat for PC's), rumour to be true on the grounds that there is a finite amount of time for Apple to recoup iSight development costs. dD

revenuee

Nov 3, 2003, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by darndog
The iSight seems to me to be a transitional product, there is no future in 'bolt on' camera's, pretty soon laptops and displays will have camera's built into them the same way mobile phones do now.
For now the iSight offers better quality and its movable, but an integrated screen camera and wireless mobile phone camera would be a better solution.

So, I'm expecting this (iChat for PC's), rumour to be true on the grounds that there is a finite amount of time for Apple to recoup iSight development costs. dD

not only people with laptops will want to use video chat,

people at home on their desktop machines or in the office on their desktop machine will want to be able to have a conversation with friends co-workers, and clients, not everyone with a laptop.

as big of a market as there is for all in one's, they're not that great... your always going to get better quality out of a dedicated instrument. the all in one's just provide convenience, any tech person will tell you that

Phil Of Mac

Nov 3, 2003, 10:19 AM

brooklyn

Nov 6, 2003, 06:40 PM

Seems that AOL is working on an AOL IM (with VideoChat) for all users. They should be beta testing by December.

zdnet article (http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104_2-5103710.html?tag=zdfd.newsfeed)

rauf

Nov 25, 2003, 07:56 AM

AOL are giving no indication of any beta testing so far... This is frustrating as AOL are more than likely the only company in the short term that will support iChat AV video conferencing (until apple solve this???)

Anybody got any more news on this, or know of any native osX apps that can easily video conference. I know gnome/ophone etc can, but it's way too complicated having to compile unix beta software, install new libs etc.. Not what I bought a mac for after all;)

Any news greaty appreciated, too many friends are PC users who use net meeting, and no matter how wonderful you tell them the iSight/iChat combo is, it doesn't matter unless you can use it!

MacRAND

Nov 25, 2003, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
And how is a little tiny camera going to provide the same image quality? Although of less than iSight quality, Apple could very easily and at a reasonable cost incorporate the Audio & Video of a WebCam into the frame of Apple's new Cinema Displays. :cool:

PowerBooks and iBooks already have a Microphone, what would it take to imbed a tiny WebCam into the frame of an LCD display? Very little. :) To increase quality, ADD an iSight. ;)

Want better quality still, hook up a DV CamCorder with external shotgun mic via FireWire of whatever quality you want, on up to broadcast quality. :p

I am still excited about my first Mac to Mac iChatAV conference between London UK and Phoenix AZ USA, using an iSight and a SONY Camcorder. Beautiful, clear and fun. Hours, long-distance, Audio & Video conferencing, FREE! :D
Goodbye long-distance telephone calls, except to those with only a PC :(

dongmin

Nov 25, 2003, 09:58 AM

Originally posted by MacRAND
Although of less than iSight quality, Apple could very easily and at a reasonable cost incorporate the Audio & Video of a WebCam into the frame of Apple's new Cinema Displays. :cool:

PowerBooks and iBooks already have a Microphone, what would it take to imbed a tiny WebCam into the frame of an LCD display? Very little. :) To increase quality, ADD an iSight. ;)

Want better quality still, hook up a DV CamCorder with external shotgun mic via FireWire of whatever quality you want, on up to broadcast quality. :p

I am still excited about my first Mac to Mac iChatAV conference between London UK and Phoenix AZ USA, using an iSight and a SONY Camcorder. Beautiful, clear and fun. Hours, long-distance, Audio & Video conferencing, FREE! :D
Goodbye long-distance telephone calls, except to those with only a PC :( what I'd like to see is one of the following:

1. iSight + iChat AV for PCs
2. A portable videoconferencing device in the form factor of a pda or tablet. Also compatible with PCs. Yeah the screen would be smallish, but imagine the ability to do video chats anywhere where there is a wireless connection.
3. Video messenger device via .Mac for times when you can't do a direct chat.

scat999999

Nov 25, 2003, 11:03 AM

But think of how many potential Windows users might buy into it at $29 ea. (Same price for a Jaguar upgrade) It could also help drive iSight sales, though users wouldn't be locked into using iSight like iTunes users are with an iPod if they want mp-3 capability.

Originally posted by macnews
I think this would be a good idea. Showing off the good ideas and ease of use that Apple comes up with can only help Mac sales. Now, the issue of reliability is key here.

I also have to wonder how it would be done if a pay service? Maybe use it to promote iSight but I can't see anyone really paying for it.